A collaboration between West Virginia University’s Dr. Peter Giacobbi and experts at the University of Arizona has resulted in the development and launch of a new app, “See Me Smoke-Free,” the first multi-behavioral mobile app designed to promote healthy habits for women.

Supported by a two-year, $366,400 grant from the National Cancer Institute, the Android phone app uses guided imagery to give women the tools to resist the urge to smoke. It also encourages them to improve their fitness and nutrition and provide them with an overall sense of well-being.

The guided imagery feature is a key component in the success of the app, as it allows for enhanced visualization, says Giacobbi, who has a joint appointment at WVU as an associate research professor with WVU’s College of Physical and Sport Sciences and as an associate professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health.

“Guided imagery has a long history of use to address a variety of health issues,” he said. “Our hope is that guided imagery can be used to successfully address smoking, diet and exercise behaviors using cell phones.”

Users will be prompted to use the guided imagery files daily. The app, which was launched March 30 on the Google Play Store, will allow users to access additional information and resources on quitting smoking, eating well and being physically active. Participants can see daily goals and display how many days they have gone without smoking, cravings over time, and how much money they have saved.

Users will receive daily motivational messages and tips for living a healthy lifestyle, and will get virtual rewards for meeting their goals and engaging with the app.

Giacobbi said “See Me Smoke-Free” was designed first for Android phones, but developers are hoping to expand following a future study to include Apple and Windows platforms.

Judith Gordon, associate professor and associate head for research in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona, led the research team responsible for development of the app. She said it was created with the hope of giving women the power to gain control over their health and wellness choices, as studies demonstrate that women face specific hurdles when they try to curb smoking – such as gaining weight – that increase their challenge of quitting over men who smoke.

“We want women to recognize that they are strong, they are beautiful, they are powerful and they are in control of their lives,” said Gordon. “They can use the app to engage in a healthier lifestyle. And that includes being smoke-free.”

Gordon said the project was a result of collaboration among experts from a variety of fields.

Besides Giacobbi and Gordon, the research team included Melanie Hingle, assistant professor of nutritional sciences at Arizona; Thienne Johnson, research associate in Arizona’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; and Jim Cunningham, an epidemiologist with the University of Arizona’s Department of Family and Community Medicine.

-WVU-

kc/05/13/15

CONTACT: Kimberly Cameon; College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
304-293-0827; Kimberly.Cameon@mail.wvu.edu

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